Watch A Flock Of 5,000 Drones Self-Fly Safely During A UAV Traffic Test

Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest, Hungary, have reached a new milestone in drone technology by introducing a large-scale autonomous drone traffic solution.

Their groundbreaking work began in 2014 with the creation of the world’s first autonomous quadcopter flock, comprising at least ten units. This accomplishment has now been surpassed by their latest breakthrough: the dense autonomous traffic of one hundred drones.

While flocking and autonomous drone traffic may appear similar, they present unique challenges and objectives. Flocking involves drones moving in perfect synchronization, mimicking the behaviour of birds. In contrast, autonomous drone traffic requires each drone to follow its path and goal, often leading to potential conflicts. This complexity is particularly challenging in open spaces where drones move freely in various directions, like pedestrians.

The ELTE team addressed this issue with a smart, real-time updating route planner, combined with traditional flocking models inspired by nature. This innovative approach allows autonomous drones to avoid most traffic conflicts and manage any remaining issues by coordinating directly with nearby drones.

The effectiveness of this self-organizing model, devoid of central control, was initially tested through simulations. These tests demonstrated continuous, high-speed random traffic with up to 5,000 drones, incorporating different speeds and priorities in two-dimensional settings. Layered three-dimensional scenarios were also mapped, showcasing the model’s potential for managing dense drone traffic in future smart cities and decentralized air traffic control systems.

The research culminated in programming this model onto a fleet of one hundred drones owned by CollMot Robotics Ltd., a company established by the Department of Biological Physics to commercialize drone swarm technology. The live demonstration of one hundred self-organizing drones marks a significant milestone, signalling a new era of automated drone operations. Potential applications include group spraying, drone-based cargo transport, and defence industry operations.

CollMot Robotics Ltd. and their collaboration with ELcontinueues to push the boundaries of drone technology. This new solution envisions a future where drones seamlessly integrate into various tasks, enhancing efficiency and safety.

The potential applications are vast, ranging from agricultural drones spraying fields in unison to fleets of drones transporting goods in cities. The defence industry could also leverage autonomous drones for surveillance and tactical missions.

ELTE’s research extends beyond immediate applications. Demonstrating large-scale autonomous drone traffic paves the way for smart cities, where drones play a crucial role in transportation and logistics.

The incredible breakthrough was published in the journal Swarm Intelligence.